Les Campbell Coach's Award 

Les Campbell was an enthusiastic man. He was enthusiastic about young people and swimming. For more than 25 years, Les was a familiar part of Lynchburg swimming. As a parent, as a de facto coach and trainer, as a leader of the Lynchburg Aquatic League, or as a meet official, Les always personified the best aspects of swimming competition. Sportsmanship was more than a word to him. His words of encouragement soothed the disappointment of defeat for many Lynchburg swimmers and he challenged others to move to the next level of competition. Long after his own children graduated from the Sandusky Swim Club and after a severe heart attack, Les remained active in swimming, refereeing local college meets and helping, whenever he was asked, with LAL meets. For the last several years of his life, he played major roles in the annual A and B Championship Meets. He particularly enjoyed the frenetic energy of the B meet and was one of the top officials willing to help with this meet. Those who knew him admired his gentleness with young people, his open and friendly manner, his readiness to help others, and his extraordinary positive attitude toward life. In recognition of his dedication to the sport of swimming and those who participate in it, the Coach of the Year Award is given in his name.

Past Recipients

Year

Recipient

2025 ​2024 ​2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 ​2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 ​2000 1999 1998 1997 ​1996 1995 1994 ​1993

Jordan Stackpole (Vista Acres) Tamara Flamm (Falling River) ​Clyde Smith (Farmington) Emily Davis (BB) & Abby Woodruff (OW) Carter Helsby (Rainbow Forest) (no season) Greg Hofmann (Peakland) Heath Grishaw (Wildwood) Lee Lewis III (Rainbow Forest) Hank Reed (Hill City) Alex Brown (Vista Acres) Hank Reed (Hill City) Aaron Mabery (Boonsboro) Hank Reed (Hill City) Aaron Mabery (Boonsboro) ​Jo Ibarra (Oakwood) Beth Coleman (Vista Acres) Hank Reed (Hill City) Greg Hofmann (Rainbow Forest) Aaron Mabery (BB) & Jacqui Gooden (FR) Stuart Frankfort (Oakwood) Hank Reed (HC) & Kristen Smith (VA) Phyllis Thomas (Wildwood) Aaron Mabery (Boonsboro) Marcus Hill (Boonsboro) Clyde Smith (Wildwood) Beth Rodgers (Hill City) Jerry Salmon (Boonsboro) Alex Inge & Lee Lewis (Rainbow Forest) ​Todd Reichert (Poplar Forest) Mike Roberts (Rainbow Forest) Rob Quel (Peakland) ​Mark Storm (Sandusky)